Aftermarket

Mack Launches Real-Time Maintenance System

May 23, 2000
• by Staff

Mack Trucks Inc. has announced that Telenetics Corporation of Lake Forest, CA, will build its new wireless maintenance system, TruckLink. Telenetics has received an initial order for 1,000 TruckLink systems for immediate delivery.

TruckLink can send real-time maintenance information directly from the vehicle to maintenance and repair personel. The system can detect, capture, store and forward impending and current complications associated with engine, powertrain and anti-lock brake systems. TruckLink is fully supported by Diagnostic Hotline, a call center that supplies technical repair and maintenance advice.TruckLink features a driver display, low profile dual antenna, anti-theft protection, a Motorola three-watt analog cellular phone and GPS. The system works through a diagnostic hotline to locate the nearest repair center. The two communicate and forward a remedy to the operator. If necessary, help can be sent to the vehicle location as shown by GPS.TruckLink records information in 30-second increments, 15 seconds before and after a violation of any monitored parameter. TruckLink includes a backup battery and can be customized by users. A in-cab display keeps drivers informed and a button can signal the fleet base station of any non-monitored systems or extraordinary event. To prevent theft, the system includes a tracking device that is activated and deactivated by radio frequency. Any unauthorized entry of the vehicle is automatically reported to the base station. According to Russ Raine, Vice President of Customer Product Support for Mack Truck, TruckLink has been operating successfully for the past two years in a number of test fleets throughout North America. The system is available for aftermarket installation on all Macks at all authorized Mack sales, parts and service locations.

Meritor has updated MeritorPartsXpress.com to improve search functionality for the company’s offering of 100,000 aftermarket products. The website also offers new self-service tools to help customers in North America.

In a perfect world, trucks would never break down. In the real world even the best-made trucks need to come in for service. When that happens, fleet managers want service to be completed quickly and efficiently.

Navistar has launched the Navistar Service Essentials program, a partnership aimed at helping qualified vocational-technical schools “prepare the next generation of truck and bus technicians,” according to the OEM.

Times are good everywhere in trucking and Chris Baer, president and CEO of Vipar Heavy Duty, confirmed that applies to the aftermarket segment as well in his remarks at the company’s annual conference.